Undergraduate Studies

Formally established in 1964 with roots dating back to 1887, the Department of Political Studies has one of the largest and most popular undergraduate programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science with an annual enrollment rate of roughly 800 students in nearly 70 courses across five degree plans. Every year, about 200 students graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Studies after spending four years learning from a diverse group of faculty and teaching fellows who are leading experts in their fields. 

Undergraduate students in the Department of Political Studies learn to think critically about the distribution of power and resources, and their implications for systems of governance, political behaviour, and public policy. Course topics across all years examine facets of political theory, national politics, and international politics.

Students who are interested in gaining valuable work experience while completing their degree have the option of participating in the following internship programs:

1. Internship in Political Studies. POLS 598: Internship in Political Studies is the Department's experiential learning program. It provides third- and fourth-year Political Studies and Politics-stream PPE students with the opportunity to develop practical skills related to their degree by pairing them with local organizations that are engaged in work related to politics.  POLS 598 is worth 3.0 credit units and is typically offered each winter term.
2. Queen's Undergraduate Internship Program (QUIP). QUIP is available to domestic and international students and offers 12-16 month paid internships to be undertaken after second or third year, provided the student returns to complete their remaining academic term after completing the internship.

Students who wish to go on an exchange are encouraged to do so in their third year, either to Queen's own Bader College at Herstmonceux Castle in Britain (closed for repairs for 2024/2025) or to one of the university's 175 exchange partners across 45 countries. 

The Department is committed to providing an exceptional and well-rounded academic experience to undergraduate students, and our graduates have gone on to establish careers in a diverse array of fields: